We're STILL streaking -- The View from 22 & 23

Wow, where IS the time going? I can't believe we are posting about days 22 and 23 of the streak right  now. I must confess, I am slightly looking forward to a rest of my foot at some point, but I am still completely committed to seeing this streak through until the end! Coach B is worried the pain I'm having could turn chronic, but I am doing my best to pamper and heal it through the end of the streak

That being said, I will note right now that my worst impediment to success hasn't been a physical injury, but rather it's in my head. I long have struggled with the mental aspect of my sport - despite all of the things that I have accomplished so far as a runner, the hardest thing I have to deal with is believing that A). I CAN achieve the things I want, and B). I deserve to achieve the things I set out to accomplish. I know when I first revealed this to M, she kinda looked at me like she was surprised that I felt this way. Sometimes in life, you just need to fake it until you make it. So, I'll put on a brave face and forge ahead, despite the doubts I feel. 

Brave face. Nothing to see here. Not even a semi truck in the distance.

The cool thing about this, in a running situation, is that when you are out there in a pack running, no one knows that you might be nervous or scared -- heck, they could be feeling the same way you are, or they could actually be intimidated by your apparent imperviousness. The point here is that the body achieves what the mind believes. Training, for me at least, involves more than my muscles. It is an exercise on confidence and self awareness. I really do need to fire myself up and believe there are no obstacles that can hold me back.  With the right amount of dedication, there are no limits, unless I put them on myself. I choose to become a woman with no limits. I choose to achieve what I put my mind to. I choose to be mentally and physically strong at the same time.

Happiness is what you make it. Sometimes just seeing a reminder to be happy can make you happy! Found this little guy painted on the pavement during my 5 mile run.

Day 22 and 23 tested my resolve, to be sure. Day 22 started out well -- got back to the gym, lifted and felt great. I then immediately went for a 3.1 mile run right outside the gym into the Rossford neighborhoods while Coach B finished his workout. Well, this proved to me that I need to pay more attention to my nutrition and hydration, as I fought calf cramps for the majority of the run. It was frustrating, but I got through it, and paired with the kick-a$$ workout I had, I say it was a win.

Day 23 was much better weather-wise, so I headed out around noon with the intent of getting 5 miles in. I fought through foot pain for a mile, then that subsided and some calf cramps kicked in, lol. I worked on staying positive, and pressed ahead. By mile 2, things were where they should be, and I finished the 5 miles strong.

I stopped by Dave's Performance Footgear on my way home and picked up a metatarsal pad to put under the ball of my foot. Took it for a test mile at home, and it feels OK - kinda like a little pillow. Might be best for walking though!

M and I have a longer run planned for later -- here's to hoping to be mentally and physically strong to get it done!

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Sister V amazes me... Not only with her physical abilities, but her resolve to finish what she has started despite any discomfort and negative thoughts.  Running, as the majority of you know, is not just a physical sport, but it is also mental.  Let's face it, we all have our days.  V and I have blogged about a couple of ours!!  There are days that you JUST DON'T WANT TO get out there... But once you do, boy oh boy, are you glad that you did.  There is never a run I have completed, that I have regretted.  That is the honest truth.  I have said time and time again that sometimes the hardest part of running is lacing your shoes up and getting out the door... Once you do that, generally it's smooth sailing.

Day 22 was amazing for me.  I had pre-run ice cream (probably not the smartest idea) and got a solid three miler in.  It was a nice and easy three miles... No music and at night.  Just me and the sound of my feet hitting the pavement.  I intentionally slowed it down to an 8:15 pace.  Which is amazing to me because one year ago I never thought an 8:15 would have been "slowing it down."  It still amazes me what our bodies are capable of!!  

 (this is my Freddy Flex pose... not too bad!!)

Day 23 proved to be another amazing run.  A super quick three miler at sunset.  Aside from the mosquitoes post-run, it felt really good.  I had my iPod in and busted out the run with negative splits... The final mile was a 7:08.  BOOM!!  Both days were pretty uneventful.  They were the same route, just different attitudes and speed.  

The weather for both of these runs was OUTSTANDING... Actually, the weather overall here in NW Ohio has been great.  I know that I am probably jinxing it (sorry).  It could stay like this all summer and I would be a happy girl!!

Stay tuned for what's to come for the Sole Sisters!!

 

LET'S HEAD FOR THE HILLS! STREAKING: DAY 6

Hey all, V here. I've heard adage that "teamwork makes the dream work," and having been part of some pretty uplifting and supportive teams over the years, I believe it. One thing about running, though, is that while you can surround yourself with the best people and coaches and teammates ever, it is up to Y-O-U to get the job done. No one will train or run the race for you -- your legs and your legs alone will carry you over the finish line (unless you are into the tradition of Finnish Wife Carrying, in which case enjoy the bumpy ride).

No, thanks. I'll run. 

In my case, I think it's going to be speed work and hill work makes the dream work. Day 6 of The Streak provided me with the opportunity to test out my hill skills. I was looking for a shorter run, but still wanted to exert myself, so adding in hill sprint repeats seemed to be the perfect fit.

Really: It's a hill. 

I drove to a decent hill -- in the flatlands of northwest Ohio, you have to DRIVE to find a hill. It is important, really, to find a good hill -- not too steep, not too long. Be picky, like Goldilocks. If your hill is too steep, you're going to wear yourself out and won't be able to reap the benefits of the "repeat" part of hill repeats. I'm looking to gain speed, so on tap were some short hill repeats. This is intended to help strengthen all three types of muscle fiber (slow-twitch, intermediate, and fast-twitch muscle fiber) and makes you utilize a wider range of motion in the stride when charging up the hill. Because I'm just beginning, I did six reps up the hill, sprinting at about 90 percent of my max effort to the top. I walked down the hill to recover between each charge up. Eventually, I'm aiming to be able to do double these reps, a max of 12.

Keep moving. Don't stop. 

This is when I learned that the key word in "hill work" is "work." I can't honestly remember the last time, outside of being a kid, that I intentionally ran up a hill. The first two or three -- not bad, feeling pretty strong. The last couple -- OK, let's face it: I looked like Sisyphus with an invisible rock, straining to get to the top.

Ugh: Holy Hill Work. 

But: I did it. And next week, I'll do it some more, and maybe even feel better about it. Eventually, if I can find enough hills, I'll figure out some kind of hill circuit. And maybe, just maybe, I'll reap the rewards when I notice my 5K times rolling downward. Like I did. After I finished my hill repeats. Now that -- that was just plain fun.

Hill: Top right. 

While I was stuck in the flatlands for Day 6, M was having her own adventures off in the Hocking Hills, where she did NOT have to drive to find a point of elevation.  I'm happy to report the streak is still alive for her as well, even while vacationing. Nice job, sista.

M logged 3.07 miles at an 8:58 with a beginning runner friend in the rain and through the beauty of the Hocking Hills. Looking good, feeling good!!

Getting to Know You --- Q & A With The Sole Sisters

Hey everyone! One thing we Sole Sisters love to do is talk and talk, and talk some more, and get to know each other better. Lots of time spent on the road together really is conducive to getting to know someone. When you run together, you bond, and really, once you've seen each other sweat and spit and goodness knows what else, not much is off limits. So, short of taking you ALL out on a run with us (oooh, but wouldn't Sole Sister Group Runs be fun?), here's a quick Q & A to help you get to know us better. Feel free to submit your own questions too; we'll address them in a later post. 



1.  Why do you run?

V: I run to eat bleu cheese dressing. OK, no, not really. Well, that's not the only reason, I mean.  I run for a huge list of reasons, many of which I wrote down as part of an exercise to tamp down my anxiety levels before the Glass City Marathon this year. I believe that one of my major reasons for running is that it lets me set and reach seemingly infinite goals for myself. I feel like I can always try to go faster or further, or both. Running puts me to the test physically and mentally.

M: I run for various reasons.  Like Sole Sister V, I run so I can eat without guilt.  The main reason that I run, however, is because I love the way that it makes me feel both physically and mentally.  I also have two little girls at home and I think that it sets a wonderful example for them.  It shows that it's okay to sweat, be competitive, be athletic, and be proud of yourself when you are finished. 


2.  What running gear cannot you not run without?

V: If I go for a run and I don't have chewing gum, I am not a happy Sole Sister. I need gum. It keeps me from getting dry mouth and I think I probably do some kind of weird-yet-necessary OCD thing while chewing it and running. 

M: I am 100% on board with V on this answer.  Gum is a must have while running.  I also like to carry back up pieces with me if heading out on a long run or distance race.  If I need to give an original answer though, I will say my Garmin.  I love seeing my pace and distance.  Running "gadget-free" for me is kind of difficult. 


3.  Why do you wear a skirt while running?

V: Being a runner girl means that you are perceived as one tough chica, right? Well, I want to also be cute while I'm kicking asphalt. So, I like to wear a skirt when I hit the road, especially for races.


M: I don't always wear a skirt when I run.  When I do though, I feel pretty damn sexy.  Who says you can't be sporty and sexy?!  I also like passing guys in races when I am wearing one.  I like to believe it does something to their ego!! I think I need to go buy a couple more!

4.  What is your favorite race and running route/trail?

V: I loved running the 5 mile CIC Run/Walk for Humanity on Catawba Island a few years back. It is a great 5 mile course that gives you views of Lake Erie and the Catawba Island Club marina. Afterward, there were massages to be had, a huge luncheon, live music, and I even got a potted mum to take home. I don't know if it's like that every year, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The race this year is on Sunday, June 2, and benefits Ottawa County Habitat for Humanity.  CIC Run/Walk
My favorite running trail/route is probably a little harder to nail down. I will say my most used trail is the University Trail, part of the Toledo Metroparks system. Give me any path near water, though, and I'm happy to run it.

M: My favorite race, hands down, is the Detroit Free Press Marathon.  Crossing the Ambassador Bridge at sunrise and coming through the tunnel back into the United States is pretty amazing.
My favorite running trail/route is probably Sidecut Metropark in Maumee and I like Pearson Metropark just as much.

5.  Favorite running related quote?

V: "The difference between try and triumph is a little 'umph.'"
 

One that I like best is long and starts with "Running isn't a sport for pretty boys..."

M: "We must embrace pain and burn it as fuel for our journey." -Kenji Miyazawa

"Pain is temporary.  Quitting lasts forever." -Lance Armstrong 

6.  What is your shoe preference?

V: It took me a long time to find my favorite shoe. Before this pair, I'd try a new brand and model every time. I'm in love with my Saucony Virratas, though.

M: Right now I am wearing the Mizuno Wave Cursoris.  I am in love with them.  They are light, flexible, with plenty of room in the forefoot but still supportive and very breathable. 

7.  Do you have any pre-race rituals or superstitions?

V: Yes. Ritual: I eat the exact same breakfast for a week before my race (whole-wheat bagel thin with peanut butter, sliced bananas, and a drizzle of honey). And, my superstition is that I used to have a pair of lucky underwear that I wore at every race. They were green and red and gold-glitter striped Christmas briefs from Victoria's Secret. I've been racing since 2007, so they inevitably got old. So now, I carry a square cut from my lucky undies that I take with me into every race. I have like a dozen of them, in case I lose one.
 

Lucky underwear square. Don't leave home (on race day) without it.

M: I am a weirdo when it comes to pre-race rituals.  It starts as soon as I find out what my bib number is.  I keep adding up my bib number until it is a single digit (i.e. Cleveland's bib number is #3181 so, 3+1+8+1=13, then 1+3=4) I shoot for a 4 since it is my lucky number.  I lucked out at Glass City since my bib number was #1066 and now in Cleveland too!  Yay me!!  I guess a 2 or an 8 wouldn't be bad either... Since 2 goes into 4 and 4 goes into 8... Geez, see where my brain goes??!! 
Another thing I like to do is write down my favorite quotes on little slips of paper and put them in the hidden pockets of my shorts or skirt on race day.  By the time I am done, they are sweaty pieces of goo, but it makes me feel better carrying them with me!!
Oh, I also make 100% sure that I shave the morning of a race. I need to make sure I am aerodynamic!! 


8.  What kind of weather conditions do you prefer running in?

V: I love cold weather! I love any weather that doesn't involve a strong headwind.


M:  Hands down, cold weather.  I hate running in the heat.  In the summer time, if I don't get a run in before 7 a.m., you won't see me out until the sun goes down.  Direct sunlight and M are not best friends.

9.  How do you consume energy on long runs or races?  Shot Bloks, gels, Sport Beans?

V: I'll do a combination of GU gels (peanut butter, and tri-berry are my faves, with an occasional blueberry Roctane thrown in) and Clif Shot Bloks (chocolate covered cherry is so good).


M: I like the Powerade gels in tangerine flavor and I also like the GU Roctane gels.  The more caffeine, the better!! Yahoo!!

10.  Favorite and least favorite aspect of training for a race?

V: I love checking off my workouts on the training program calendar and visually watching my accomplishments build up. Least favorite aspect is that no one issues me a cleaning crew for my house during training.


M:  My favorite aspect of training is the buildup to the super long runs.  I love seeing an 18 or 20 mile run coming up.  I think it is because I know it is such an accomplishment in itself to complete such a lengthy training run and then to still have the actual marathon to look forward to... I don't know.  It is a brain game I play with myself.  I also like training with other people (mainly V, duh).
Least favorite aspect is carb loading.  It is fun at first, but it gets old after two days.  Training is also very time consuming and I have to cut out a lot of beer during training (boo!!).

11.  Bonus Question:  What is the funniest comment or question someone has said or asked you regarding your running?

V: I love when someone asks me, "Do you think you're going to win the marathon [or other distance]?" And of course I answer "no." And they seem genuinely surprised that I know I'm not going to win, but I still want to go out and run 26.2 miles. Must be a runner thing. 

M: V and I just had this discussion the other day... I love when you tell someone you are running a marathon and their response is "Oh, how long is that marathon?"  It cracks me up every time.  Or I like "What marathon are you running this weekend?"  Like I just go out and run one every weekend for fun!  I am seriously laughing as I type this...


Well, that's it for now! Let us know (in the comments section) if you have any questions for us!   

-- The Sole Sisters